Chanquillo

Chanquillo - that the english-speaking write Chankillo - is an archaeological site Peru which combines a solar observatory and a monumental calendar of the IV E. Located in the Area of Ancash, it is a testimony of civilizations Chavin and Moche.

Monuments

The site of Chanquillo is composed of the following structures:

thirteen turns, measuring 2 to 6 m in height, aligned on a North-South directed peak. The turns are spaced from approximately 5 Mr. Each turn comprises two narrow staircases, one in north, the other in the south, driving at the top; except the last tower which has only one staircase.
a fort surrounded by two 6 m broad concentric walls and 12 m in height, to 1 km in the North-West of the turns.
a place surrounded by many buildings, with the foot of the peak east coast.

Astronomical interpretation

Many elements indicate that this site was used for the observation of the Sun. While being placed in a precise point located at 235 m of the peak, an observer sees the Sun rising in various crenels (formed by the turns) according to the time of the year. The day of the Solstice of winter or summer, the Sun rises at the ends of the alignment of turns.

Whereas the area is framed large chains of mountains, the site is surrounded by low hills with a well released horizon, allowing a good observation of the Sun.

The observations of the Sun could be used as calendar of the seasons, with an accuracy of two or three days all the year. The dates of the solstices were easiest to locate and thus took a great cultural importance.

Sources

the review Science dated March 2nd, 2007.
the magazine Sky and Espace of July 2007.

External bonds

the site of Chanquillo at WikiMapia (photographs satellite)
Press article
the fortaleza of Chanquillo

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